I decided that I liked the new Hydrus pet enough to convert my zapper pet. I figure I would keep zapping it until Merana appeared and then change it and do the quest. I haven't seen her appear at all recently and not sure how often she turns up any more.

Any help much appreciated, thanks. Joanne

She appears randomly on the explore map in the top left corner! :) Keep checking there daily! I waited a few weeks and then she was there 2 days in a row in August :P

you can also join the merana-spotting forum group to get pinged when she's active